Guest Post: Dogo App
When considering how to manage our dogs' behavioural concerns, such as excessive barking, restlessness, or even aggressive behaviour, dog training is often the first option that comes to mind. However, nutrition is often an overlooked factor in these issues. Your dog's diet, like that of humans, can have a direct impact on their brain chemistry, energy levels, and emotional stability. In this post, we'll look at how diet affects canine behaviour and how dog owners may make informed dietary decisions to help their pets' mental health.
The Gut-Brain Connection is More Than a Trend
You may have heard of the gut-brain axis, which is a two-way communication mechanism that connects the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. This relationship has a significant impact on emotional and cognitive functions. In dogs, the gut produces around 90% of the body's serotonin - a critical hormone that regulates mood and well-being [1].
Poor-quality meals, especially those containing artificial additives, preservatives, or low-grade fillers, might alter the gut microbiota. A disturbed microbiota may cause stress, anxiety, and behavioural problems. Studies on animals and humans show that improving gut health with a healthier diet can considerably enhance mood and behaviour [2].
Nutritional Imbalances and Behavioural Symptoms
Certain nutrients are crucial for dogs' emotional stability. Here's how essential dietary components affect canine behaviour:
- Proteins and Amino acids: Tryptophan, an amino acid present in turkey, eggs, and salmon, is required for serotonin synthesis. Low tryptophan levels have been associated with increased aggressiveness and anxiety in dogs [3].
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3s, which can be found in fish oils and flaxseed, are anti-inflammatory and beneficial to brain function. Research has demonstrated that omega-3-rich meals can reduce anxiety-related behaviours in dogs, especially in high-stress contexts such as shelters [4].
- B vitamins: The B-complex vitamins, particularly B6 and B12, are essential for nerve function and mood control. Deficiencies can cause tiredness, irritability, and anxiety.
- Minerals (Magnesium, Zinc): Magnesium promotes muscular relaxation and stress response, whereas zinc impacts neurotransmitter function. Low levels of either can lead to hyperactivity or anxiety.
The Effect of Sugar and Highly Processed Foods
Many commercial dog feeds contain excessive carbohydrates and artificial flavours, which can cause blood sugar fluctuations and crashes. These variations may result in hyperactivity, followed by lethargy or irritation. A more balanced diet rich in whole components can help regulate mood and improve focus, both of which are necessary for efficient dog training.
Diet and Training: A Two-Pronged Approach
Changing your dog's nutrition is not a cure-all, but it can be an effective supplement to behavioural training. Many trainers are taking a more holistic approach, incorporating lifestyle, environment, and nutrition into their regimens.
This is where solutions like the Dogo App may help. The software provides tailored dog training programs and behaviour assessments, allowing pet parents to monitor their dog's improvement over time. If you've recently converted to a higher-quality diet or started using calming supplements, Dogo can help you determine whether those adjustments are making a difference during training sessions.
Case in Point: Anxiety and Food Sensitivity
Some dogs experience anxiety as a result of food sensitivities or allergies. Reactions to particular proteins or grains might cause gastric trouble, restlessness, excessive licking, and even aggression. In such circumstances, working with a veterinarian to identify the trigger and switching to a limited-ingredient or hypoallergenic food can help with both physical and behavioural issues.
The Dogo App's scheduled daily training assignments and progress tracking allow you to see whether dietary adjustments are helping your dog be calmer and more focused in everyday situations.
Supporting Behavior with Nutrition: A Checklist
Here’s how you can begin integrating dietary awareness into your dog’s behaviour plan:
- Read ingredient labels carefully; avoid fillers and artificial preservatives
- Choose a balanced diet rich in omega-3s, quality protein, and whole foods
- Introduce calming supplements (like chamomile or L-theanine) with veterinary guidance
- Monitor for signs of food sensitivity (itching, upset stomach, mood swings)
- Use training tools like Dogo to track behavioural trends alongside dietary shifts
Final Thoughts
Behaviour problems in dogs are rarely triggered by a single factor. Training, environment, genetics, and food are all essential factors. By incorporating your dog's nutrition into the behavioural equation, you may discover that tiny dietary modifications result in significant improvements in your pet's mood and responsiveness.
If you're currently training your dog using platforms like the Dogo App, combining that effort with mindful nutritional choices can provide a more comprehensive and long-term road to a calmer, happier dog.
Sources
[1] Mayer EA, Tillisch K, Gupta A. The gut–brain axis and the microbiota. J Clin Invest. 2015;125(3): 926-938.
[2] Sudo, N. et al. In mice, postnatal microbial colonization prepares the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system to respond to stress. J Physiol. 2004; 558(Pt 1): 263-275.
[3] DeNapoli JS, Dodman NH, Shuster L, Rand W, and Gross KL. The impact of dietary protein content on behavior in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2000; 217(6):812-817.
[4] Zicker SC. Investigating the effect of diet in canine cognitive impairment. Top Companion Animal Med. 2007;22(2):51–56.
This blog article is a guest post from the Dogo App team.